7 protesters arrested near Spain's parliament

MADRID (AP) — At least seven protesters have been arrested near Spain's parliament and 23 were injured during a demonstration against draft legislation that aims to sets heavy fines for offenses such as burning the national flag.

Around 4,000 demonstrators were stopped from surrounding parliament by a strong police presence late Saturday.

A regional government said the arrests were made after protesters damaged a police car.

The protest was organized to oppose the introduction of a bill that will set fines of up to 30,000 euros ($40,800) for offenses such as burning the flag and insulting the state.

The measures, which were approved by the Cabinet but must be voted in by lawmakers, update a 1992 law and will also include fines of 1,000 euros for insulting or threatening police during demonstrations.